Mastitis
(Breast
Infection)

Sore/Cracked Nipples

Should only last a week or so. If you are experiencing soreness or pain, your baby may not be latching
properly.

For sore nipples – try a nipple cream

Contact a lactation consultant if
soreness doesn’t go away.

Secondhand Smoke

Secondhand smoke has harmful chemicals that can effect your baby’s willingness to breastfeed.

Do not allow smoking in your home or car.

Wash your hands before and change clothes before you breastfeed your
baby.

Alcohol Use

Alcohol can pass through breast milk and affect your baby.

There is no safe limit.

If you do drink, do not exceed 2 drinks (2 glasses wine, 2 beers, etc.) in a 24 hour period.

Caffeine

Caffeine is a substance found in
coffee drinks, energy drinks, soda, and some foods and medications. It can affect your baby.

Most experts agree that 1 -3 cups is safe, but cut back as much as you can.

Drink decaf coffee or tea.

Medications

Many over the counter medications are safe, but check with your doctor to be sure

Contact your doctor or a lactation
consultant.

If you are having a hard time or have questions, you can always contact a lactation consultant. Learn more here.

When You Can’t or Shouldn’t Breastfeed

There are some cases where it’s better if you don’t breastfeed: If you are HIV+, have active TB, are taking certain medication, using illicit drugs, or are undergoing certain treatments for cancer. Talk to your doctor is you have any questions about whether or not you should breastfeed.

If you can’t breastfeed, or if you try and it doesn’t work out – don’t feel bad about it. There is no need to feel guilty or stressed because you are unable to breastfeed.

Nutrition For Breastfeeding Moms

If you are breastfeeding, you have important dietary needs. Most breastfeeding moms need and extra 400 – 500 calories a day. Make these extra calories count!

Going Back To Work

If you are going back to work – it doesn’t have to be the end of breastfeeding. If it’s right for you and your baby, you can try pumping. With a little planning your baby can still get all the benefits of breastmilk and you can save tons of money.

In ideal world you will have:

1) A private, comfortable room

2) A schedule that will allow you 15 – 30 minute breaks 2-3 times a day

3) Breast pump supplies

In the real world, you can get by with:

1) Any space where you can be alone (your car, the bathroom, a closet if need be). In these cases, you just need to be extra careful with hygiene

2) Any break. If you can only pump on your 15 minute lunch break, that’s better than nothing

3) You will still need breast pump supplies – but you can be creative.

Break Time for Nursing Mothers under the FLSA

The Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act (“PPACA”) was signed into law on March 23, 2010 (P.L. 111-148). This law amended Section 7 of the Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA). Employers are required to provide “reasonable break time for an employee to express breast milk for her nursing child for 1 year after the child’s birth each time such employee has need to express the milk.” Employers are also required to provide “a place, other than a bathroom, that is shielded from view and free from intrusion from coworkers and the public, which may be used by an employee to express breast milk.”